Namaskar,
Back in the Mahabharat era, Karna suffered a life of ignominy and disrepute because of his birth.

According to the Hindu code, Karna’s birth was a sin. In that era of old, giving birth out of wedlock was one of the worst and most unworthy things a lady could do. While in Ananda Marga we also do not appreciate pre-marital relations etc, but we will do not punish or blackball the child. But in that era of old they did like that. Giving birth without having a husband, giving birth to a baby who has no father was a veritable sin. And both mother and baby were ostracized. Such was the social code of the day. Thus Karna was stigmatized his entire life and looked upon as untouchable, or stained.

“Karna also was not permitted to ascend the throne because he was born before marriage, but what wrong did he do?” (1)

So Baba does not give any credence to the idea that the innocent baby should be blamed. Baba wholly rejects the idea that Karna was a black-spot and should therefore have lived a life of disrepute. Rather, on the point of his existential quality, Baba has given maximum respect to Karna. Baba’s viewpoint is that no blame or disrespect is to be attached with the baby who was born out of wedlock.

EVERY CHILD SHOULD BE EMBRACED BY SOCIETY

In Ananda Marga, we have learned this lesson: Regardless of their birth, every child should have equal opportunity to live a reputable life. There is no reason for anyone to suffer due to the circumstances surrounding their birth like Karna had to do. That is Baba’s teaching.

So this is one point about the abortion issue: Namely there is no reason to abort a pregnancy because the baby, born out of wedlock, will not be welcomed by the society. Baba has clearly told that there is no scope for this. All children should be looked upon with love and affection by the whole society and assured a bright future.

MUST NOT OBJECTIFY WOMEN

We should bear in mind that this entire issue is not limited to being a woman’s issue, but a societal one. At present throughout the world, women are commonly looked upon as objects of male gratification. Advertisements, fashion, and the overall social climate point to females as being sexual objects. That makes them targets of attacks by men. When not aptly channelized, the glandular system of men keeps them always under the spell of sexual allurement, whereas a woman’s desire goes in cycles.

If females are consistently displayed in a way that peak men’s interest, they will be more prone to attacks. Hence, great steps need to be taken to protect women. Secondly, men need to be educated and taught from a young age that they are to respect women as dignified members of society. The sooner such societal norms are established, then the whole problem causing females to want to have an abortion will be essentially eliminated.

This is an important aspect of the issue. Let’s now continue with the idea of using abortion as a tool to distance women from emotional scarring.

WHY PEOPLE ABORT:

CAUSES AND SOLUTIONS

Here are some of the common reasons why people opt for abortion in the present-day materialistic society, as well as how these isssues will be solved in a Proutistic social order.

(a) Poverty: Nowadays, some opt for abortions due to financial pressures and economic constraints. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic society, the caring and rearing of child is society’s responsibility.

(b) Career Aims: Nowadays, many involve 50 – 60 hrs per week in their career to gain prestige, status, financial wealth. When both male and female engage in this way, there is no time or desire to have children. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic society, people will not define themselves by their career, and they will not have to work as much. Hence there will be time and mental space for society building, i.e. rearing and raising children.

(c) Sex is for Enjoyment: In materialistic communities, sexual gratification is viewed as the be-all of life and the key to happiness. In that situation, there are bound to be a high number of unwanted pregnancies because people were only maintaining sexual relations for animlaistic pleasure. The solution is that in a neo-humanistic social order where people are encouraged to engage in higher pursuits and realise spiritual bliss, then sex for enjoyment becomes a non-issue.

(d) Gender Bias: In certain countries there is tremendous preference to give birth to boys, not girls. This leads to a certain number of abortions each year. In the neo-humanistic social order, there will be gender equality and hence there will not be a bias for girls of boys. Every child will be welcomed, irrespective of their gender.

(e) Cohabitation: In this materialistic era, males and females co-habitate and mix freely, causing unwanted pregnancies etc. In a neo-humanistic social order, only those who are married will co-habitate.

(f) Autism / Birth Defects: In materialistic societies, there are no restrictions on who can produce children. When unfit couples find their unborn child has a brain problem or deficiency, they may opt to abort the pregnancy. In a neo-humanistic social order, there is a keen watch that only those of a proper standard have the opportunity and right to bear children.

ONLY POSSIBLE WHEN…

The ideals expressed in this letter – i.e. that there not be any abortions – cannot come to fruition in isolation. To achieve this end, so many Proutistic and neo-humanistic principles need to be implemented: Life is not for carnal desires, sex is not a tool for happiness, no use of intoxicants, proper diet and dealing, no free mixing of the sexes, no pseudo-culture / sensual movies etc, and other approaches. Only when these ideals are established, and spirituality is embraced, will the views expressed herein take manifestation on the collective level.

Those who are pessimists say that, “It will never happen.” However, right-minded persons can easily understand that when the seed is planted naturally it will sprout. Who could think that inter-caste marriages will occur in India, or that women will gain the right to vote, or that a woman will become a head of state, or that cigarette smoking in an office will be banned in the US, or so many things that are occurring nowadays. Positive changes are taking firm hold fast. This will naturally occur with abortion as well. Thus, on the collective level it may take some time but it is doing to come.

Those who are sincere Ananda Margiis – i.e. those not drowned in pseudo-culture – can realise this and bring this into their own life practice immediately. This letter is about practicing this point first on the individual level.

There is not question of trying to forcibly impose a no-abortion rule on the entire society. First, a tremendous amount of education is needed. Only then will the grip of pseudo-culture on society be loosened. Invariably, though people will understand the futility of materialism and aim for something higher. Then all the ideals expressed in this letter will surely take shape.

So no pessimistic-minded person should sit back and wonder how this will never happen. It will happen. Just as today, people think how those primitive humans followed so many dogmas because they were not aware, similarly in the next era, people will certainly joke about the materialistic ways of this present era. Changes are happening fast, and we should all be ready to usher in that new era.

To implement the lofty ideals of neo-humanism and create an abortion-free society, we must follow the various do’s and don’ts of Ananda Marga conduct rules. Then abortion will become a thing of the past.

SUMMARY STATEMENT

In today’s world, abortion is an often misunderstood issue, especially among materialistic-minded liberals. As Ananda Margiis we must not be influenced by the various groups arguing one way or another on the issue.

We are to take a step back and see the big picture and apply the golden teachings of Ananda Marga ideology. We should embrace the mother and child as victims and give the child scope to lead an honourable life. The innocent child’s life must not be aborted. In our human family there is no scope for abortions, regardless of the circumstance. Each and every human life is invaluable and sacred and cannot be tossed aside or killed unjustly, as abortions do.

There is only one circumstance wherein abortion is permissible & morally acceptable. If the pregnant mother’s life is in danger – and if a team of doctors fully agree that both the mother and baby cannot survive – then an abortion may be performed to save the mother’s life. That is the only instance when abortion can be condoned: Only to save another life. In all other circumstances, the baby’s life should be saved and cherished and the mother given proper standing in society.

OUR DUTY TO SOCIETY

In Ananda Marga, Baba wants us to be the leaders, on the cutting-edge, of every issue. We should never fall prey to social stigmas or dogmas. We are to be the harbingers in leading the society forward.

That means on all social issues, like abortion, we should guide the society toward a proper and dharmic understanding. We should establish new norms based on neo-humanism that serve the society well.

In Ananda Marga, everyone understands that our motto is ‘live and let live’ and that we do not support abortion. This is the general rule and most follow this.

Yet, there remains certain key circumstances that need clarification. And that is what this letter aimed to address.

Here are some of Baba’s related teachings on this topic.

ACARYA GUIDELINE: LIFE STARTS IN THE WOMB

In the ‘Pranayama’ chapter of our Acarya Diary, Baba describes the process of breathing and how it relates with life and death.

Baba tells how death occurs on the exhale and life begins on an inhale.

Now here comes the critical point: Baba tells that when an old person dies upon their final exhalation, then their next inhalation occurs when their next life begins as an embryo in the mother’s womb. That is Baba’s direct guideline.

The key point then is that Baba is clearly defining that life begins inside the mothers womb. That developing embryo, that unborn babe, is indeed alive. That human embryo is a living, breathing being.

In that case, we have no right to curtail or destroy the life of that unborn child, irregardless of the circumstances.

So every abortion is a direct contravention of Baba’s divine teaching.

ABORTION IS A HEINOUS CRIME, NAY A SIN

No matter what the doctors may say, no matter what the social workers may say, no matter what the judges in the court may say, each and every abortion is a violation of cardinal human values. To abort a baby is to
commit a sin.

“If the violation is in the spiritual code, rather the religious code, it is termed as ‘sin’. If the violation is against the legal code it is known as ‘crime’.” (2)

If one breaks the law, one may be able to hide from the sheriff, the police, and the courts etc, but when one commits a sin, a distinct samskara is formed, and one can never escape. It is impossible.

“You are free to act, but you are bound to undergo the reaction. The moment you do an act you acquire the possibility of its reaction. Simultaneously with the performance of an act is being done, the seed for its reaction is also sown and its consequences have to be undergone. There is no escape from it. It is not within your right to get rid of it or to escape its fruits and consequences.” (3)

So there is no escape for those who are involved in aborting babes. The termination of that human life carries a dark samskara. It is the equivalent of murder and one will have to undergo that reaction. There
is no alternative.

“THEIR FUTURE IS SEALED FOREVER”

Aborting the life of an innocent child is directly contrary to Baba’s below teaching.

“Everybody should be given the chance, or circumstances should be created, such that nobody gets the scope to feel their future is sealed forever, is blocked. So let everyone feel that everybody in this expressed universe belongs to the same big human family.” (4)

Here again Baba reminds us to watch over those in need, like a defenseless child.

“Help the weak and the helpless in all possible ways.” (5)

Baba’s next teaching states that the child in the womb treasures their own life and does not wish to be killed prematurely by an abortion.

“Have mercy on all living beings.”

Pra’n’a’h yatha’tmano…

“Just as your life is extremely dear to you, similarly the lives of others are equally dear to them. A person who thinks thus and shows mercy on other creatures is really a sa’dhu, or virtuous person.” (6)

O’ Parama Purusa,, O’ Supreme One, Your divine creation is very colorful. All kinds of people are there. Some get human life, do sadhana, and ultimately become one with divinity. And some people do various misdeeds and move along the path of negative pratisaincara until finally they get lost in oblivion – cimmerian darkness. Some want only You; while others do not want You, instead they want some boon or some gift from You. So this world is colorful.

O’ my Lord, some are rushing towards the allurements of glittering objects, shining stars, or superficial worldly attractions. And some are absorbed in crying over their old outdated memories, deserted flower gardens, and skeletons of the past. In that way they waste their time. While those who are great devotees have accepted You as the Supreme quintessence and they want only You.

Baba, O’ Divine Entity, some are busy in intellectualizing about Your karuna and grace – and they never get the real sweetness. Just they are jinanis involved in their own extravaganza. And some are dancing in the joy and happiness. Such devotees cannot be satiated by anything except You. You are everything for them. Those who surrendered at Your lotus feet they are the ones who pass their whole life dancing in the ecstasy of Your divine love.

Baba, Your entire creation has so many types of people and various colours. Only the life of the devotee is filled with happiness and bliss…

Namaskar,
In Ananda Marga, our duty is to help society in all aspects and save humanity from drifting away from manava dharma. So we must keep sharp eyes all around – on all the many spheres of human growth and development: Literature, science, religion, education, medicine, law, business, recreation, music, art, etc.

It is our duty to keep humanity on track in each and every sphere of life. No issue is beyond our scope or outside our realm. Every issue is our issue because Baba has given guidelines on each and every aspect of human life. And it is our duty to put forth His ideals.

Stem cell research is an issue of ethics, an issue of science, and an issue of morality. Simply put, is embryonic stem cell research consonant with our human standard – i.e. with cardinal human values?

BABA’S SPECIAL DECLARATION FROM SENIOR ACARYA DIARY

In the ahimsa chapter from Senior Acarya Diary, Baba adamantly puts forth this very view: That no human being should be killed and destroyed.

In that chapter, when discussing food, Baba says that for our survival we must survive by eating only the simplest of foods. We must not destroy or kill animals that are of a higher order for our food. Because Baba says we are to always consider the physical, psychic, and spiritual potentiality of every being. Then Baba goes on to declare that never should one human being kill and eat another human for their survival. Because every human life has tremendous scope for physical, psychic, and spiritual achievement. So never should a human being be massacred for food, even if not eating means one’s own death. In that case, it is better just to die than to kill and eat another human. That is Baba’s clear-cut, stated principle from His Ahimsa chapter in Senior Acarya Diary.

Thus when embryonic stem cell research means the death of that unborn infant, then scientists and health officials must not destroy or kill that human embryo for medical research. There is no ethical or moral support for it.

Each and every human life is sacred and full of immense physical, psychic, and spiritual potential. In that case, a human life can never be willfully destroyed for our own food, health, or survival. This is completely unacceptable. And we must not allow our scientific research to cross this sacred boundary. That is Baba’s explicit guideline.

Thus embryonic stem cell research cannot be supported – it blatantly contravenes the teachings and ethical standard of Ananda Marga. And, if allowed, it will lead to the degradation of humanity.

SCIENCE MUST NOT CROSS CARDINAL HUMAN PRINCIPLES

PROPER GOVERNANCE OVER SCIENCE

We must respect our human cardinal principles in all aspects of life – including the arena of science. Failing that, humanity will meet its destruction. That is Baba’s explicit warning.

Sadly, right now we live in an age where science is used for profit (i.e. selfish capitalistic ventures) and for war (i.e. raw political power plays). And we can see what horrific results it has brought to the world.

So our goal is to bring science within the control of ethical people – not to continue to rent out science to destructive forces who overlook human welfare.

Thus it is in no way ethical or morally answerable to add to today’s misery by allowing science to destroy human life in the name of embryonic stem cell research. That unborn human life – that soul – has the right to live and fulfill its dharma. Its life must not be cut short by greedy, self-centered, egoistic powers.

So long as we allow science to swim rampant in unethical waters, such as in embryonic stem cell research, the more we are playing with fire and inviting the death and destruction of our entire humanity.

The main problem is with embryonic stem cell research – i.e. the stem cell of an unborn fetus that was conceived in the laboratory. By this method the life of the unborn human fetus is lost. Scientists and others are eager to experiment in this way.

As we all know our Marga does not support abortion in any way since we clearly understand that human life begins as soon as the egg is fertilised, not when the baby is born. The deliberate killing or destruction of that unborn human fetus – at any stage – is tantamount to murder.

We respect that unborn human life as something sacred. That unborn human life contains all potentiality of any living human being. Their status holds the same existential value as any human being. Both are of equal human value. So that unborn human embryo must not be willfully harmed in any way, not for any cause.

FALSE JUSTIFICATION

Nowadays, various scientists, or more precisely their political proponents, foolishly argue that since embryonic stem cell research occurs in the laboratory and since that human ovum and sperm have a shelf-life – they do not last forever – then it is ok to sacrifice a human embryo for scientific research. Because it is going to die anyway.

But this is all just fools logic.

In that case, we can travel the world over and justify the killing of so many people. We can massacre and kill all those who are starving in the name of procuring their organs for others. After all, those starving people are going to die soon anyway so why not kill them prematurely. What is wrong.

To accept embryonic stem cell research means setting a precedent to heartlessly destroy and mutilate the lives of all senior citizens if we face a water crisis or other so-called problems due to over-population. Because those elderly people are on the brink of death anyway. So why not kill them in the name of decreasing the population and saving other human beings.

Indeed, the next generation will start with killing their own grandparents; next up will be those kids who suffer from developmental disabilities; and, who know who will be next – you, me, or anyone. Because once the precedent is set to intentionally destroy a human life for selfish purposes, then there is no end to the outcome. It will just grow and grow.

The false logic and bogus justification behind the killing of other human beings has no end if we accept the flawed reasoning for the willful and intentional destruction of a human fetus.

Indeed, if the destruction of human life is permissible, then why not just revert back to those prehistoric days when human beings were burned and sacrificed for the gods. Verily, accepting the willful demise of a human fetus will toss our humanity centuries back in time, grossly undoing eras & eras of human progress along the lines of human rights and welfare. In a phrase, it would send us back to the stone age, or further.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace, the human race has a long and glorious future. All the teachings and all the ingredients have been given. His advent on this earth is itself enough to spark humanity forward. As our morality and ethical standards rise, we are sure to overcome all small-minded propositions like embryonic stem cell research and invite the flourishing of our human society.

Baba says, “Human civilization has now reached a critical stage of transition. Exploitation of one human being by another has assumed alarming proportions. At critical junctures in the past, when exploitation had reached the zenith point, history witnessed the emergence of mighty personalities who were able to overcome the problems in society. Today also, the guidance of mighty personalities with a comprehensive ideology is required to lead humanity away from the edge of disaster towards a glorious future. The emergence of such personalities is an indispensable necessity of history.” (Prout in a Nutshell – 21)

Namaskar,
Cirsundar

Note 1: HUMANS ARE NOT JUST ANIMALS

Some anthropologists and sociologists have concluded that humans are part of the animal kingdom. So just as animals are used killed for food or other uses, similarly human embryos – or even all humans – can be used for one’s survival and growth.

In Ananda Marga, we do not at all subscribe to this faulty outlook. Humans are humans because we have a reflective consciousness; we do not fall within the animal kingdom.

Humans cannot then be treated merely as animals – as some academics proclaim. The dignity of human life must be maintained. Side by side, we should always think and act for the well-being of all animals too.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Maner ma’jhe khunji shudhu toma’re…” – P.S. 712

Purport:

Baba, in my mind I am searching only You – but those past memories of days-by-gone which are buried in the mind are swirling all around. Baba, I am trying desperately to only think about You but those old memories are hovering all around me.

Baba, the dark clouds of doubt and suspicion come very close and disturb me; and they also get blown far away into the oblivion, by Your grace. Seeing this unique play of light and shadow, my mind gets intoxicated. Baba, while living in this transitory world I get captivated by both the good and bad things. The panoramic crowd of the boats comes and again floats away – and I just remain lying there alone on the bank of the river [1].

Baba, please come close my Beloved; please grace me. O’ Baba, this is not the time to go on playing Your liila with me. There is no time for that – most of my life has already passed, and now death is knocking. Already I have gotten too involved in this liila of Yours. Now just please come with Your sweet loving smile. Baba, if You love me then come and sit here – very close to me. Please do not continue to play Your divine game of hide and seek, again and again.

[1] Here Baba is painting one symbolic picture. Because when anyone is sitting on the riverbank and any boat comes along, then naturally that person is curious to see what is going on and they want to look at all the people and things on the boat. So the ‘crowd of boats’ refers to the colourful panorama and attractive things of this mundane world. And ‘sitting on the shore’ means the sadhaka is trying to do sadhana. The sense is that in this state, when the sadhaka sits for meditation then so many scenes, thoughts, and desires enter the mind. And ‘lying there alone on the river bank’ means that ultimately the devotee wants to cross that river and reach to Parama Purusa. That is why he is sitting there trying to do sadhana– in order to reach unto Him. But in that process the devotee gets caught up in watching these various eye-catching, worldly attractions represented by boats going up and down the river.

Namaskar,
In our human society, there are so many “special interest groups” and each invent their own vocabulary according to their planned agenda. All done in order to make themselves and their message appear to be good, rational, or wholesome etc.

One such group are those in favor of abortion and they have created their own special terminology: “pro-choice”.

Indeed, under the banner of their “pro-choice” slogan, they have confused many common citizens into thinking that theirs is the rational and logical pathway.

However according to the outlook of Ananda Marga – according to Baba – the entire practice of abortion is sinful and must not be done. So none should get duped by their “pro-choice” slogan.

YOU CAN’T MAKE A CHOICE TO KILL OTHERS

One can make all kinds of choices in life. A person can choose what clothes to wear, which school to attend, what career path to select – there are many, many choices to be made.

However, one cannot make a choice to destroy another’s existence. Yet that is what an abortion does.

As has been detailed before in so many postings referenced below in Note 3, the baby in the womb is a living, breathing entity. It is not that a baby magically comes alive when it suddenly emerges from the womb. Human life starts as soon as the egg gets fertilised by the spermatoza. From that moment forward, the baby starts to grow, eat, drink, and breathe. It is carrying out all kinds of life functions. Plus the baby has its own mind, own set of samskaras, and it has it own inherent desire to live. It is not just a body part of the mother that can be clipped away like a finger nail etc. That baby has its own independent existence.

The baby is merely taking shelter, temporarily, under the mother’s care for a short while until that baby is able to emerge from the womb. Just as parents cannot murder their baby children who are living under their roof and depending upon them for food, care, and guidance, similarly, no mother has the right to choose to end the life of the baby that is in the womb and depending on mother for food, safety, nourishment, and care. To kill that baby is wholly wrong, in both instances.

Thus to say that the mother of that baby has a “choice” about whether that baby is destroyed or not is a totally defective approach. Yet that is what those in favor of abortion advocate.

In their crafty manner, they say “pro-choice” to make their agenda sound reasonable.

But when that so-called choice involves the permanent destruction of another being, then such a “choice” cannot be supported – not in any way shape or form. Rather it is a sin, as it infringes on another being’s God-given right to live.

SPIN DOCTORING

These days in the internet and mass-media marketing, there are some who are “spin doctors” – they earn their keep by making a message sound good to the public’s ears. They spin and manipulate an agenda into a so-called credible sound bite.

It is all about glitz and glamor, about presenting falsehoods as truth and presenting crude ideas as something P.C., politically correct.

That is exactly what the selfish agents of abortion have resorted to when they selected their slick slogan, “pro-choice”. By this way they have attracted many so-called open-minded and “broad-minded” people into thinking this was the cosmopolitan perspective.

But that is all nonsense. Engaging in abortion is nothing but sin as one is wholly robbing a living entity of their God-given right to live. In some states or lands abortion may be lawful, but one cannot escape the grave samskara that will be attached with this sinful practice. Both father and mother will be forced to face the consequences. Because abortion is tantamount to murder.

It is no different than what happens in India and China when parents may drown their new-born baby girl because they see her as a burden. Just as that is unconscionable and against all codes of human rights, same is the case for killing the baby inside the womb for equally selfish or dogmatic reasons.

AM’S RATIONAL WAY:

ONE OCCASION WHEN ABORTION IS ALLOWED

According to the rational and logical ways of Ananda Marga, Baba has declared that there is one & only one occasion wherein an abortion is justified.

If the mother’s life is in danger, then and only then may a pregnancy be aborted. Only to save the human life of the mother is an abortion the ethical choice.

That is the sole condition – if the mother’s life is in danger. That is Baba’s guideline.

If the mother is poor, if the mother was raped, if the mother does not want the baby, if the father has left – none of these are valid reasons for an abortion. They may be unfortunate circumstances, they may be heinous as in the case of rape, but none of them are proper justification for murdering the baby. The baby should not be the one to
suffer for other’s crimes. Committing one more ruthless injustice (i.e. abortion) on top of a lesser evil does not resolve the problem – it only makes things worse.

Only if the mother’s life is in danger due to the birth itself, may an abortion be supported.

Beyond that, there is no scope for “pro-choice” in any other decision-making process.

ABOUT THE RIGHT TO LIFE CAMPAIGN

The religious coalition adamantly opposes abortion and proclaims their approach as “pro-life” or “right-to-life”.

But none should then think that such persons are true neo-humanists. On this point they are alright, but they are also inconsistent.

They are not neo-humanists as their churches have caused harm and alienated so many populations. Thus they do not honor human life per se, just because of their church dogma, they happen to oppose abortion.

Yet when we evaluate their approach on the whole, their ways are full of contradictions and choices that harm others.

In contrast, the approach of AM is based on human cardinal values and rationality.

BABA’S BLESSING

By His grace He has blessed us with the answer to all of today’s social issues, including that of abortion. As Ananda Margiis, we should unitedly be aware of and support Baba’s viewpoint – none should be swayed into the so-called open-minded camp of “pro-choice”. Such a slogan is a mere euphemism for killing others based on self-interest. There is not an ounce of welfare motive in their manner.

Baba says, “Have mercy on all living beings.”

Pra’n’a’h yatha’tmano…

“Just as your life is extremely dear to you, similarly the lives of others are equally dear to them. A person who thinks thus and shows mercy on other creatures is really a sa’dhu, or virtuous person.” (Yoga Psychology, ‘Instinct & Devotion)

Namaskar,
Balakrsna

Note 1: OTHER SLOGANS IN SOCIETY

There are so many slogans in society that sound good but are quite harmful.

For example, the term “Eco-Friendly” or “Environmentally Friendly” often means “less destructive”, it does not really mean friendly or sustainable. A gasoline engine may be termed as eco-friendly because it gets better gas mileage, yet still it is creating harm to the environment. Same is the case with so many household cleaners and other corporate products.

So we should be astute when considering any group or company’s chosen slogan.

One group in AM also has their chosen slogans for mahaprayan (MPD) yet we know MPD – i.e. Baba is gone – is in totally opposition to the spiritual approach of Ananda Marga which states that Baba is in our heart. But for their own selfish agenda and geo-religious sentiment, this group creates all kinds of spins and slogans to make their dogmatic program sound “enlightening” when in fact it destroy’s one’s devotional link with Parama Purusa.

Note 2: SENIOR ACARYA DIARY OPPOSES ABORTION

In the ‘Pranayama’ chapter of our Acarya Diary, Baba describes the process of breathing and how it relates with life and death.

Baba tells how death occurs on the exhale and life begins on an inhale.

Now here comes the critical point: Baba tells that when an old person dies upon their final exhalation, then their next inhalation occurs when their next life begins as an embryo in the mother’s womb. That is Baba’s direct guideline.

The key point then is that Baba is clearly defining that life begins inside the mothers womb. That developing embryo, that unborn babe, is indeed alive. That human embryo is a living, breathing being.

In that case, we have no right to curtail or destroy the life of that unborn child, irregardless of the circumstances.

So every abortion is a direct contravention of Baba’s divine teaching.

Baba, You are the be-all and end all of my life. You are my everything. I will spend my whole life singing Your song and propagating Your glory, by Your grace. I will satiate my heart, by pleasing You in all the ways: doing Your sadhana and executing the work that You like.
Baba, it is the eternal law of this creation that whoever has taken birth will one day leave. Coming and going is Cosmic law. Nobody can take anything along with them. Only one thing goes along with — Your love & Your devotion. That remains always along with– in this world as well as that. Baba, I will only get You when I move on Your path ceaselessly, by Your grace.
Baba, I do not know where You reside. Wherever You are, close or distant, please always keep me next to Your eyes. Baba, by Your grace, with the pull of my longing and love, I will bring You close. And when You are sitting next to me then I will sing the song for You to listen to, up to Your heart’s content.
Baba, let every moment of my life pass in pleasing You. Baba, please shower Your karuna on me so I can march forward on the path which reaches to You…

***************************************
Sentient Income

Baba says, “It is clear here too that one’s ajiiva or physical occupation should be sentient…No one should be a trader in religion, because in the name of religion, many people are exploited…The scriptures stipulate that people should not accept food from such people, because their occupations are despicable.” (SS-11, p. 24-25)

Note 1: In the past when Lord Buddha first gave this teaching there were 4 categories of negative occupations; but now the world is so complex that this group has expanded in multiple despicable directions. Through it all the central idea is the same: That people should not make their livelihood by depraved means.

In this present era these following “professions” also fall into this negative category: crude film-makers, drug dealers, politicians, stock brokers, pornography dealers, casino owners, lottery makers, religious traders who are propagators of dogma like Mahaprayan (MPD), and gangsters etc.

In today’s capitalist society, the middle-man is also a negative occupation. Because such persons do not produce anything of value for the society. All they do is take what is produced in one place and pass on that same product to someone else for a sizeable profit. Thus such middle men are just the leeches of society– just sucking money from the common people without doing any constructive work of their own. Everyone is hereby invited to add more undesirable professions to the
above list.
***************************************

Namaskar,
In His discourses, Baba invariably makes reference to the fact that
human beings commit sins.

Whether one wants to use the word samskara or sin, the fact remains that
humans commit such wrongs: Actions that may or may not be against the
legal code of the day, but transgress our cardinal human values and
moral codes. And that of course is the difference between a crime and a
sin.

Baba says, “If the violation is in the spiritual code, rather the
religious code, it is termed as ‘sin’. If the violation is against the
legal code it is known as ‘crime’.” (AFPS-6)

The trick then comes in knowing what is sinful and what is not. Because
there are some actions people know to be wrong, while there are various
other misdeeds that people do unknowingly– yet by that way also they
incur sin.

So we should all be aware of these unknown sins, because even if the
motive is not to commit sin, if one does those acts it still falls
within the category of sin. Hence awareness is needed.

MUST NOT FALL INTO SINNER’S PSYCHOLOGY

As we delve into this discussion of committing sin unknowingly– whether
it be via abortion, or mentally harming someone, or overlooking our
social duties etc– we should be vigilant not to fall into sinner’s
psychology. One should not walk around thinking, ‘I am a sinner, I am a
bad person…’. That would only severely worsen the situation.

Rather we should take this in a positive light– as a way to improve and
purify ourselves. Just at it is important to know the laws of the land
in order to keep oneself out of harm’s way and become an upstanding
citizen; similarly it is vital that we be aware of all sorts of sins so
we can keep away from these misdeeds and become a model of dharma. By
this way we invariably become better human beings and can better help
others also.

So the whole essence of this conversation is aim towards human growth
and development. And of course it will help decrease or totally
eliminate the accumulation of negative samskaras.

ANANDA MARGIIS ARE A STEP AHEAD

As Ananda Margiis we are already ahead of the game. Because common
sinful things like idol worship and the torturing and eating animals, we
do not do. Whereas those in the general society constantly incur sin by
doing such things.

Baba says, “Those who in the name of the beginningless, endless,
formless Brahma worship idols, are indulging in deliberate slander. You
must not give indulgence to this type of mahapa’pa (great sin).” (CC-2)

Baba says, “Even to see an animal being slaughtered is a sin; he [a
devotee] cannot even think of eating meat.” (HS-1)

So these are known sins about which we have to raise awareness in the
general society– and that we are doing in our various pracara efforts.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE UNKNOWN SINS

Then what are some of the unknown sins that some Ananda Margiis might do?

Often times these are things which are legal, but against our code of
spiritual morality. So one is not committing a crime by doing these
things, but one is committing sin and incurring negative samskara.

In this era of extreme debauchery, fathering children yet not taking
responsibility for their upbringing is not a crime, but according to AM
it certainly is a sin. Because not doing what one is supposed to do,
i.e. pratyavaya, is sinful.

Baba says, “Pratyava’ya means ‘not to do what should be done’. For
instance, parents should educate [and raise] their children. If they do
not, they are said to have committed pratyava’ya.” (NKS, Disc:18)

Thus living a libertine life is surely a way to incur sin– and this
type of sin is worse than ordinary sin.

And veritably there are a wide-range of (in)actions that are classified
as pratyavaya. In various discourse like ‘Sinners & their Rectification’
(AV-31), as well as in other places, Baba warns us about the wide range
of actions that fall within the scope of pratyavaya [sin of ommission].

Baba says, “You should help a man in distress. You should help the
suffering humanity. These are the dos of life. If you do not do them,
you are doing pratyava’ya.” (AV-14)

As Ananda Margiis, we have many dos that are part and parcel of our
moral and spiritual lives: From watering plants to opposing injustice,
from participating in service projects to being an example in society.
And whenever we fail to act positively in this regard, then that is a
veritable sin. So we should be vigilant.

OTHER SINS THAT ANANDA MARGIIS MIGHT DO:

ABORTIONS, MAHAPRAYAN, ETC

All in all there are a variety of sins that Ananda Margiis might do
unknowingly.

For example, doing an abortion is sinful. In many places it is not
illegal, but according to the view of Ananda Marga, it is certainly
sinful. Life itself starts at conception as per Baba’s discourse,
‘Life, Death, & Samskara’ and modern scientific research. Each and every
human being has the right to live, and to prematurely end that life,
irregardless of the stage of pregnancy, is most definitely a sin.

Then, of course, there is the infamous Mahaprayan program which reduces
our infinite Parama Brahma to a mere finite being that is gone forever.
Many in AM may blindly or naively participate in this dogmatic
Mahaprayan program, yet by doing so they are certainly incurring
negative samskaras and committing sin. Because the crude doctrine of
Mahaprayan is a form of idol worship as it wholly fails to recognise
Parama Purusa as the “beginningless, endless, formless Brahma”.

Plus if anyone visits the Tigers grave in Jamalpur or any other
so-called tiirtha spot in AM and dogmatically touches their forehead to
that spot thinking that they are doing pranam to Baba, then also they
are committing sin, or worse, even mahapapa (terrible sin).

“Vya’pitvm ca…dine”

“The Entity which is all-pervading who is established in the grandeur of
being the Witnessing Entity of everyone, about that divine Entity if I say
about Him that on this place He ate butter and on this place He took bath,
telling all these tales if I bind that all-pervading Entity to one
particular land, country, or place, by propagating the greatness of this
holy land or that holy land, if by this I ruin His all-pervasiveness then
that is not a virtuous deed, but rather sin.” (AVM-11, p. 30)

So there are any number of ways that people may be unknowingly
committing sin in Ananda Marga.

But of course, those organisers of Mahaprayan who cunningly devise and
flaunt this MPD program for their own group cause are deliberate
sinners. And their fate is even worse. Such persons know who they are
and cannot escape their fate.

A TIME FOR CONTEMPLATION

So all of the above we should bring into our mental awareness and side
by side cultivate the idea that, ‘I am the blessed child of Parama
Purusa and I have come onto this earth to serve Him and help others’. By
that way our mental plate will be clean– devoid of sinner’s
psychology– and we can move ahead in a positive direction.

COMMON SINS IN THE SOCIETY

Here are other sins listed in point-wise fashion that are commonly done
in the society. So we should keep ourselves clear of these misdeeds, as
well as educate others.

* Many times people harm others mentally by thinking or wishing bad
things on them. This is especially the case when one suffers from anger
and jealousy such as when one is in business and does not think well of
his competitors. Or an even more common example is in the case of
various male-female relations. Then people can become extremely jealous
and malevolent in their thoughts. And sometimes they even take action in
the physical sphere as well. All these types of things are common sins
in the society and occur on a daily basis.

* The wanton disrespect and destruction of animal life in the form of
animal experimentation is another form of sin. To cruelly butcher, harm,
or ruin an animal’s existence for the so-called sake of experimentation
cannot be justified. There are other better and more exact ways
to derive information without harming other living beings. Those who
resort to animal experimentation are certainly committing sin.

* In capitalism it is in vogue to exploit & cheat others. One get
praised and promoted for such things. Thus in the business world there
are many who commit sins each and every day that they go to work.

* Politicians who incite war with a crooked motive are also clear-cut
sinners. Right now our globe is riddled with such people.

* Some derive a sick type of joy by seeing others in problem. That also
is sinful.

* All instances of genocide, homicide, and suicide are sinful. Genocide
we have seen with Hitler, the Serbs, and so many cases around the globe.
Then homicide is also are regular occurrence and now it has become the
fashion of the day to walk onto college campuses and open fire on
innocent students. Plus no one has any right to kill themselves as this
body and mind do not belong to them but rather to Parama Purusa. So all
cases of genocide, homicide, and suicide are sinful.

MORE REFLECTION

Generally speaking people have narrow idea about sin. So we should open
our own minds and make others aware as well. True margiis should be
aware about the various types of sin in order to protect themselves and
help the society. Even then, ultimately only the grace of Parama Purusa
can save us, but at least we should use our intellect to keep away from
unknown sins, as far as possible.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace He is so gracious as He saves each and every person and
lovingly brings them on His lap, irregardless of their past misdeeds and
sins. All one has to do is remember that they are the divine child of
Parama Purusa and approach Him for His mercy.

Baba says, “For such a sinner, the worst type of sinner, the future is
not dark. The future in his case also is very bright, if he takes
shelter in the divine lap of the Supreme Father. “I am on the lap of my
Father, I cannot be a sinner.” Suppose you are walking along the path
and your dress, your clothes, become muddy due to dust or clay. Then
should you think that you will remain nasty or dirty forever? If you
appear before your Father with dirty clothes, what will your Father do?
He will clean your clothes and take you on his lap: “O my son, your
clothes have become muddy, but you are my son. Come here, come here, sit
on My lap. I am your Father, you are My son, you must not suffer from
any sinner’s psychology.” Do you follow?

“So even if, in the past, you were sinners, forget it. Remember that
from this very moment, you are the neat and clean son, you are the neat
and clean child, of the Supreme Father. So there must not be any
psychology of sinning complex. For a spiritual aspirant, there must not
be any complex. Be free from all complexes, and move along the path of
righteousness with a balanced mind, with mental equilibrium and mental
equipoise. A bright future awaits you.” (AV-34)

Namaskar,
Gurumurti

Note 1: POWER OF BABA NAM KEVALAM

Here again Baba instructs us how to save ourselves from sin. Of course
since sin itself originated in the mind, Baba has blessed us with one
special remedy.

[The repetition of Ba’ba’ na’m kevalam even once kills so many sins that
the worst sinners could not accumulate them.] (AV-6)

Thus by His grace our Baba Nam Kevalam mantra clears the mind of all psychic
sins. It works in the mental sphere and the great benefit of that is one will
not be afraid to prostrate oneself before Parama Purusa and request His mercy.
Often those who sin mentally keep away from Parama Purusa – they have a complex that they are “too dirty” or “not good enough” to go near God. Hence they remain far. That is the real danger of sinning. But the moment one sings Baba Nam Kevalam one begins to feel free mentally in which case the so-called sinner will automatically rush to His lotus feet and get Baba’s divine grace.
That is the special effect of kiirtan.

PRABHAT SAMGIITA

“Phuler ha’site chile, manoma’jhe a’ji ele…” (P.S. 1898)

Purport:

Baba, by Your fathomless grace, You lovingly came in my mind today and
were smiling like a magnificent flower blossom. O’ my Dearmost, You know
that I love You, even then why do You remain distant at times. Baba, I
do not call anyone other than You. In my mind, nothing else has the
place; You are my only Goal. You are my everything. And I do not think
about anything else besides You. In spite of all these things why do You
remain forgetful about my existence.
Baba, I understand this heart-breaking and difficult liila of Yours.
You take my mind and play Your painful game of hide and seek. Sometimes
You make me laugh; and sometimes You make me dance; and sometimes You
make me float in the tears. Baba, after a long time You have graced me
by coming in my mind today. Baba You are so charming…

Namaskar,
People often think that if they have logic on their side – then everything is well and fine. Then they feel that their stance is justified and correct. However, this needs our special consideration.

EVERYBODY HAS THEIR LOGIC

The Sanskrit word “yukti” means logic. The root “yuj” means to unite. And when one unites themselves with a particular thought process, that is their logic. However, such logic can be right or wrong. Because, everyone has their logic – even those on opposite sides of the same issue.

For instance, pro-choice advocates and anti-abortion activists both have their logic. Pro-choice’ers say that a woman has a right to make a decision about her body and that there is no loss of human life whereas right-to-lifers argue that one cannot kill a human life yet abortion does just that. So both sides have their own logic – and the debate roars ahead in that way.

Another hot topic is gay marriage. Those for it proclaim that every human being has the right to marry while those opposed say that marriage is to be done only between a man and a woman. Here again, both sides have their logic.

Likewise, politicians “on opposite sides of the aisle” have their own logic about issues from health care to the economy. Meat eaters and vegetarians have their logic. Convicted criminals and court justices both have their logic. Everybody has their logic.

In the aforementioned cases, both parties are not correct. One may be correct or neither may be correct. It depends. Yet both have their favoured logic on the very same issue.

Here the point is that logic can lead one to the wrong answer. Period. So we have to be careful – logic itself is not to be trusted 100% – we must ensure that our quest for truth goes beyond simple logic.

SAME PROBLEM IN AMPS

At present we have similar issues in AMPS. There are topics on the table for review, and various parties have their logic. So on any given issue – court cases, land disputes, book rights etc – each of the groups has their chosen logic. They all have their ground to stand on, claiming their view or logic to be correct. To escape this predicament – to follow the path of dharma – we have to then go beyond just plain logic.

A CASE IN POINT: MAHAPRAYAN

The main problem is that logic can be formulated around any group, party, or personal interest.

Let’s take the case of mahaprayan. If we were to walk into the Tiljala campus, then they can give all kinds of logic as to the importance of mahaprayan. Because their desire is to earn money, make Kolkata the epicenter of AMPS life, and enhance their group prestige etc. For all these reasons and more, they have huge interest in making mahaprayan a success. They may even say that Baba is gone because we do not see Him with our crude eyes anymore. So they have all kinds of logic; and, more about this particular point is addressed in the next subheading.

Yet we all know mahaprayan to be a dogma. Baba is with us in our hearts, yet they proclaim Baba is gone because they want to build up their so-called Mahaprayan program.

Such is the problem with logic. Thus we need to ensure that logic is not just based on private interests, but rather represents universal welfare and spiritual values, i.e. sarva jana hitaya. Then that logic will lead to the proper answer, otherwise not. In case of the latter, it will just be bogus logic, nothing more.

For instance, Baba Himself has said that: 1) Parama Purusa is everywhere and in everything;

Baba says, ‘There is no place which is inaccessible to Him. If a person is at a particular place and has to move to some other place, he will have to travel. But the Lord is everywhere, and He in reality does not have to move. In other words, He has so many feet that He is able to reach any place and be available at all places at all times.” (AV-30)

2) Parama Purusa is timeless;

Baba says, “The one formless, beginningless and infinite Parama Brahma (Supreme Consciousness) is the only entity to be attained by living beings – That alone is Jagat Guru (the Supreme preceptor), That alone has revealed Brahmavidya’ (intuitional science) to us through the medium of the name and form of Anandamu’rtijii. Unit beings must be made to appreciate Its majesty.” (CC-2)

3) Parama Purusa always resides in our heart;

Baba says, ” When you are established in devotion, you get Parama’tma’ too. Then you will experience yourselves that Parama’tma’ is seated in your heart, you will not have to go elsewhere in search of Him.” (SS-19)

4) In addition, Baba has outlined all the needed celebrations in our Marga and in no place did He mention that mahaprayan should be celebrated. Rather He specifically warned against observing mahaprayan.

Thus for any logic to be correct on the issue of mahaprayan, then it must be in keeping and consistent with Baba’s above teachings. It must be in concert with apta vakya, i.e. the eternal truths as given by Baba.

But the dogma of mahaprayan runs totally contrary to all of Baba’s stated principles. The groupist mahaprayan celebration mandates that Baba is gone forever. That is their position. In contrast, in countless discourses Baba says that He is always with us.

Both stands cannot be correct.

Since Baba’s every word is supreme truth and by definition apta vakya, then that must be accepted and any other logic discarded. In that case, all sincere Ananda Margiis will adhere to Baba’s dharmic teachings and not listen to any other groupist logic in favour of observing the dogma of mahaprayan. Because the logic in favour of mahaprayan is just bogus logic guided by group and party interest, separate from the truth of universal welfare.

LOGIC LIKE MPD BASED ON SENSE PERCEPTION

Relative logic is based on sense perception: what one learns from the world using their eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and hands etc. This is by definition limited and mistake prone. Various groupists saw Baba with their crude eyes and then when their crude eyes could no longer see Baba, they declared that He is gone, and voila – mahaprayan.

So their dogmatic logic of mahaprayan is based on their crude sense perception. So we should never get trapped by this materialistic approach. Day in and day out people are led in the wrong direction by sense perception.

Baba says, “Whatever people say they “know” about an object is only their sense perception, and not real knowledge. And that sense perception remains unsubstantiated.” (AMIWL-8)

Those then who claim that Baba is gone and give their logic of mahaprayan are totally misguided, fooled and blinded by the limitations of their crude sense experience. Sadhakas of the Marga should instead rely on more subtle ways of knowing. Guided by intuition and devotion, such bhaktas can feel in their heart that Baba is there. In that case, how can one claim that He is gone.

That is why no true Ananda Margii follows the dogma of mahaprayan. The dogma of mahaprayan(MPD) is nothing but the brainchild of those leaders who got swayed by their own petty interest and limited sense experience. Such is their condition. And indeed when their logic for MPD is measured against the touchstone of divine truth and realisation, then very quickly their logic falls on its face and is proven totally false.

BOGUS LOGIC: MANY SUCH EXAMPLES

To get the truth, logic must be grounded in rationality, universal welfare and spiritual sentiment. Then that logic will lead one in the right direction.

Unfortunately now in AMPS, each and every group has their own distinct logic, i.e. bogus logic. It is not just that ne team that suffers from this syndrome with regards to the dogma of mahaprayan. Any individual sympathetic or aligned with any group will give their phony logic based on narrow sentiments. That is the nature of groupism.

1. There are some who will give tons of logic how it was appropriate to change the by-laws in NY sector. Such persons are not guided by any welfare motive, but rather by their own group sentiment.

2. There are some who will detail with all kinds of logic how expulsion is a needed and proper tool for keeping our Marga clean. But such logicians are just guided by their personal desire for power etc. That is the basis of their bogus logic, not AM teachings.

3. And there are people who will justify all kinds of things: Fake Ananda Vaniis, scripture distortion, eradication of margii rights, fake BP manual etc. There is no end to their logic. But such logic is not correct and not in accordance with the dharma of AM. Their views are just the outcome of group sentiment etc.

In each and every case, on each and every issue, we have to see if a particular view is based on rationality and represents universal well-being, i.e. sarva jana hitaya. Then and only then can it be accepted as proper and true. Then that logic is beneficial. We should never be swayed by the logic of groupists. Theirs is just bogus logic and will not lead one along the path of welfare.

FATE OF GROUPISTS IS NOT GOOD

If a person ideates on Parama Purusa and takes His teachings to be true, then that sadhaka will merge in Him and be one with AM ideology, in thought, word, and deed. There will not be any difference. But if one gets glued to groupist logic, then one will stray far from the universal values of AM and become permanently plastered to their group. They will bind themselves to the dogmatic logic of group sentiment. That will be their miserable fate. And there will be no escape. No one should meet such an ugly destiny. The only way to save oneself is to wholly divorce oneself from the logic of all groupist policies like the dogma of mahaprayan and instead follow the great teachings of Parama Purusa in the form of AM ideology. Then one’s position in life is safe and secure. Then one will float in His bliss, otherwise not.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace He has given us perfect and pure teachings in all the realms of life. His ideology will lead us to the goal. One should keep all groupist logic – i.e. bogus logic – off to the side, or better yet in the trash bin. We should only follow His teachings, the ideology of Ananda Marga – the path of divine intuition.

Baba says, “Logic is a psychic survey. Such a survey may or may not be correct, therefore it is futile to follow logic blindly… This psychic survey, embedded in relativity, may or may not be correct. Intuitional vision is the best logic. Intuitional vision should be your guiding ideology.” (PNS-15)

Namaskar,
Satiish

Note 1: WHOSE LEGACY IS MORE DANGEROUS

It is worth taking a moment to compare the (mis)deeds of both Rudrananda and Sarvatmananda as it gives deep insight as to how to prevent our AM society from further harm.

Essentially, Rudrananda is after power and he has done some nasty things – no doubt. But when his time on this earth expires, “Rudranandaism” will be gone. His negative legacy will be nil, i.e. not long lasting. Because he has only chased after post and power for himself and after his time on this earth that chase will be done, without any real lingering effects. Of course, here we are not wishing or waiting for anyone’s expiration, rather our aim is their rectification.

So the above is a mere analysis, nothing more.

Then there is Sarvatmananda. In stark contrast, his actions will have a long(er) lasting effect and will probably stand for some time after his life terminates. Why? Because “Sarvatmanandaism” is focused on systemic manipulation of organisation and ideology, not just his personal lust for power. Sarvatmananda also has the goal of Bangalisation & WT superiority.

To that end he has ruined the BP Manual, invented Fake Ananda Vaniis, founded the dogma of Mahaprayan, ruined countless Hindi and English discourses, invented expulsion as a weapon, eradicated the ACB, and indulged in countless other horrific activities.

That is why Sarvatmananda’s “legacy” will be far worse than that of Rudrananda. It will take time and effort to clean-up the mess made by Sarvatmananda whereas the dirt created by Rudrananda will get swept away at the time of his own death. That is the chief difference between the two.

On personal basis, I have no ill will against either of these Dadas, rather I think fondly of them as my elder brothers. Only my comments refer to the repercussions of their misdeeds. We should be cent-per-cent vigilant not to let anyone distort or change Baba’s eternal guidelines. In this critical time, that is our main duty: To keep Guru’s teachings in tact.

Baba, You did not come close to me in the dawn of my life; but I do not have any agony in my mind about why You did not bring me under Your shelter that time– why You did not come close to me and become very intimate. For that I do not have any mental anguish or suffering. But I do have repentance in my heart for why I did not search You that time. That is why my heart is burning and crying all the time. The fault is mine that in my early years I did not search You. For that I have deep remorse. Baba, that time You were so close to me– living side by side, always. Even then I did not call You or try to search for You by learning sadhana. I did not care about that back then. Just my days and nights passed in vain, doing various useless pursuits that time in the early stage of my life. Yet, now in the twilight of my life, the more those early remembrances sprout in mind, the more pain I feel. Baba, by Your grace everyone comes onto this earth for a short span of time, for a calculated period. And there are so many works to do. Yet fruitlessly people waste their time blaming God for their misfortunes– but there is no benefit in this. Because everyone is facing their own samskara. When they remove the umbrella of vanity, they will realise that Your grace is showering eternally. Baba, You are ever gracious; what You do is best for me. My only desire is to always remain under Your shelter…

***************************************
Colourful Future

Baba says, “As life becomes increasingly easy, there will be greater opportunities for intellectual pursuits. A day will come when there will be hardly any need for human beings to work. This may sound strange today and perhaps we might not like to hear such a thing, but that day will surely come. Physicality will be transformed into more and more intellectuality, and intellectuality will be transformed into the culminating point of spirituality.” (PNS-17, p.36)
***************************************

Baba, please grace me and come in my dhyana. I have prepared a seat
for You in my Guru cakra– I have decorated a dais for You there.

Baba, when You come, after doing sastaunga pranam, I will do arati*
for You. This will all happen at the time of Your reception. O’ my Lord
please grace me by coming.

Baba, I have threaded a garland, and I am ever-awake, looking towards
the path of Your arrival. Please come in my Guru Cakra, on the
thousand-petaled lotus. Please come softly in my mental temple, in my
dhyana.

Baba, I have already decorated the lamp, and since lighting it, I have
been waiting for You. I am waiting for You and will perform arati for
You in my mental lotus. Baba,m please come, smiling, softly.

Namaskar,
In our Ananda Marga, human life is regarded as something sacred and
precious. That is why when, around the globe, unborn babes are aborted
each and every day, then as Ananda Margiis we should have our definite
stance. We should know Baba’s viewpoint and follow it, lest we fall into
the pseudo-philosophies & quagmires of the day.

THIS IS NOT MY OPINION

Although this issue of abortion is a hot topic, we should approach it
with equanimity and rationality. Any margii doctor who may have
performed abortions, and any Ananda Margii who may have chosen, directly
or indirectly, to abort an unborn child, should distance themselves from
their own views and actions, and grab onto Baba’s lotus feet and adopt
His guideline.

What is expressed in this letter is not my opinion. I am neither part of
the so-called progressive, ‘pro-choice’ community, nor am I a member of
the dogmatic religious ‘right-to-life’ constituency. Just I am an Ananda
Margii trying to understand Guru’s teaching– and follow it.

MURDER IS A HEINOUS CRIME, NAY A SIN

In Ananda Marga, murder is looked upon as a most dastardly deed; it is
sinful. Under no conditions are we to murder anyone, especially not an
innocent, defenseless babe. We should never knowingly terminate the life
of any living being. We are to adopt the theorem, ‘Live and let live’.

The right to life is a cardinal human value– the courts or prevailing
governing bodies cannot override this. Regardless of what the laws may
say, to knowingly and intentionally destroy the life of a living being
is nothing short of murder– and therefore a sin.

The question with abortion then is, when does human life begin: (a) When
a baby is developing in the mother’s womb or (b) when a baby emerges
from the birth canal.

Here below in Acarya Diary, Baba directly states the answer.

ACARYA GUIDELINE: LIFE STARTS IN THE WOMB

In the ‘Pranayama’ chapter of our Acarya Diary, Baba describes the
process of breathing and how it relates with life and death.

Baba tells how death occurs on the exhale and life begins on an inhale.

Now here comes the critical point: Baba tells that when an old person
dies upon their final exhalation, then their next inhalation occurs when
their next life begins as an embryo in the mother’s womb. That is Baba’s
direct guideline.

The key point then is that Baba is clearly defining that life begins
inside the mothers womb. That developing embryo, that unborn babe, is
indeed alive. That human embryo is a living, breathing being.

In that case, we have no right to curtail or destroy the life of that
unborn child, irregardless of the circumstances.

So every abortion is a direct contravention of Baba’s divine teaching.

ABORTION IS A HEINOUS CRIME, NAY A SIN

No matter what the doctors may say, no matter what the social workers
may say, no matter what the judges in the court may say, each and every
abortion is a violation of cardinal human values. To abort a baby is to
commit a sin.

Baba says, “If the violation is in the spiritual code, rather the
religious code, it is termed as ‘sin’. If the violation is against the
legal code it is known as ‘crime’.” (AFPS-6)

If one breaks the law, one may be able to hide from the sheriff, the
police, and the courts etc, but when one commits a sin, a distinct
samskara is formed, and one can never escape. It is impossible.

Baba says, “You are free to act, but you are bound to undergo the
reaction. The moment you do an act you acquire the possibility of its
reaction. Simultaneously with the performance of an act is being done,
the seed for its reaction is also sown and its consequences have to be
undergone. There is no escape from it. It is not within your right to
get rid of it or to escape its fruits and consequences.” (SS-1, ‘Yajina
and Karmaphala’)

So there is no escape for those who are involved in aborting babes. The
termination of that human life carries a dark samskara. It is the
equivalent of murder and one will have to undergo that reaction. There
is no alternative.

WE SHOULD FOLLOW AM

& NOT BE SWAYED BY SO-CALLED PROGRESSIVES

In our modern society, abortions are performed on a daily basis–
everywhere. And so-called progressives have embraced this policy.
Because the church is mostly looked upon as being dogmatic, then one
becomes a “progressive” simply by going against the mandates of the church.

But this fake definition of progressive plays no role in the life of an
Ananda Margii.

And when AM ideology directly states that human life begins in the
mother’s womb, then we should not get confused by or lost in the garble
of so-called progressives who think that following the church is archaic
and therefore the policy of abortion should be embraced.

No Ananda Margii should fall prey to that false logic.

DO NOT DESTROY YOUR FUTURE

Nor should any Ananda Margii destroy their future by involving in the
heinous and deplorable act of abortion. Because, regardless of who you
are, whether a doctor, an expecting mother, or the biological father, in
all cases to choose the dark ways of abortion is to invite a serious
black cloud in the future.

Because every action begets a reaction. Harming and killing an unborn
babe is the equivalent of murder (unpardonable sin) and one will have to
undergo that samskara.

By being aware of Baba’s guideline on abortion, we can save ourselves
from such heinous reactions in the future.

So all should be aware– make the right choices in life– and stay clear
from abortion. By that way one can ensure that their future remains
bright. That is the policy of Ananda Marga. To go against it by aborting
babies is to invite all kinds of problems and suffering.

BABA’S BLESSING

Here Baba guides that to be a true sadhaka we must respect the rights of
all living beings– even the those of the unborn child. Everyone want to
survive and live their life; no one should put an end to this inherent
desire by aborting unborn babies.

Baba says, “Have mercy on all living beings.”

Pra’n’a’h yatha’tmano…

“Just as your life is extremely dear to you, similarly the lives of
others are equally dear to them. A person who thinks thus and shows
mercy on other creatures is really a sa’dhu, or virtuous person.” (Yoga
Psychology, ‘Instinct & Devotion)

Namaskar,
Mantreshvar

Note 1: IN NO STAGE OF PREGNANCY IS IT ACCEPTABLE

Doing an abortion is sinful. In many places it is not illegal, but
according to the view of Ananda Marga, it is certainly sinful. Because
each and every human being has the right to live, and to prematurely end
that life, irregardless of the stage of pregnancy, is most definitely a
sin.

********************************************
Fish Eating People

Baba says, “Fish eat all kinds of things. Because of this, the positive
qualities of those foods which they eat they may or may not get; but,
certainly they get the negative qualities or defects of those foods
which they eat. In addition, fish quarrel so much among themselves; they
are quarrel mongers. They eat each other; they feel jealous towards one
another; and also they have the tendency to wander around aimlessly in
an indisciplined, disorderly manner. Because of these negative
qualities of fish, since ages there has been the feeling amongst the
general public that those who are fish eaters, they get contaminated by
these same defects.” (SC-20, Bangla, Disc #156)

Note: Amongst all of India, the most densely populated fish-eating area
is Bengal. Indeed, Baba says that the main population of Bengal are
kaevarta (fisherman community). In total there are a huge number of
lakes, ponds, rivers, and water sources in Bengal; that is why fish
flourish there. Thus in Bengal fish are known as water fruit.
Except for very strict devoted margiis, most of them like to eat fish.